Learn About NJ's Lenape Indian Heritage

The original settlers of New Jersey - way before the European invasion - were the Lenape Indians. Learn about Lenape culture today through games and stories at a Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission event.

Beverly A. Friend, an Indian of Cherkoee descent, will put her quarter century of studying and lecturing on Native American Indian Culture, History and Folklore to good use. Friend will help families and children explore the Lenape's rich past at The Lodge in Thompson Park in Monroe Township today at 2 pm.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Lenapes' reach was indeed broad: they originally occupied what is now known as New Jersey, southeastern New York, eastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware at the time of European exploration and colonization. Through the games and stories Friend will introduce to participants, important life skills and encouraged social interaction within the tribe and with other tribes will be taught.

Friend will present a display of a variety of authentic artifacts, crafts and clothing from the Indian nation.

In addition to cultural instruction Friend received from her mother, maternal grandparents, and other members of the Native American community, she was the protégé of the late James “Lone Bear” Revey, former chairman of the New Jersey Indian Office. Friend has given presentations on various Native and cultural diversity topics for many schools, libraries, private organizations and major corporations.

Raised in Newark, Friend devoted her life to her family and to educating people about Native American Indians, their lives - past and present - and the importance of shared cultures.

The Lodge is located at 1701 Perrineville Road. For more information, call 732-745-4489.